Chelsea boosted their chances of securing European football for next season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle in the Premier League. Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and the electric Mykhailo Mudryk all scoring for the home side with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy finding the net for the visitors.
Senegal striker Jackson showed his incredible sense of awareness by flicking a dangerous cross from the exciting Cole Palmer to beat Martin Dúbravka in post for the visitors. That was his ninth goal of the season to put the Blues ahead and quench what was a strong start to the game from the visitors.
Palmer's assist was his 19th-goal contribution in his brilliant start to life in west London. Stamford Bridge was alive and loud with chants of 'who are you' as defender Malo Gusto continued to torment the Magpie's defence on the left-hand side of the pitch.
The former Lyon man has established himself as one of the key members of this new Chelsea project and he's become an effective outlet for Chelsea to get goals. But he's not only good when the team is attacking he's so competitive in winning the ball back. Gusto has softened the blow of losing Reece James and will probably aid in his full recovery with the club not needing to rush him back.
Newcastle though were not going down without a fight, the introduction of Murphy for the ineffective and injured Anthony Gordon revitalised them and before Chelsea could adjust to the changes Isak moved his body so well before curling home an equaliser.
The visitors finished the first half pushing for a second but in a game that swung from one end to the other, Chelsea got their reward for a strong start to the second half. Cole Palmer again, with an unbelievable strike to put the Blues ahead again.
Goals give confidence and from there on Chelsea pressed with substitute Mudryk rounding Dúbravka to score the third before Murphy made it 3-2 late on.
Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there:
1. Djordje Petrovic-6
There is absolutely nothing he could have done about the first goal he conceded. Good shot stopping skills. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Trevor Chalobah- 7
Absolutely nothing went pass in that first half before Isak popped up with his leveller in that first half. Good second half. | Getty Images
3. Malo Gusto-6
Incredible player. It was his cross that led to the first goal. Surely one of the best signing and you see the fire in his eyes when he loses the ball. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Axel Disasi -6
Chelsea's Mr present would have been disappointed with the space Alexander Isak got his goal. great second half. | Getty Images